Each of us has a leadership style and appreciative living approaches we use frequently. Yet, if we don’t know ourselves as leaders, we shouldn’t expect others to know us as leaders. Leaders must focus on their ability to be mindful, self-aware, and creative. We must use our awareness to learn valuable lessons and make changes to improve.
Referencing the module readings and presentations, discuss various approaches to getting to know yourself as a leader. Compose a new post in response to the following question:
What approaches do you use to become more mindful of others and self-aware in the academic, personal, and professional areas of your life?
Professionally, I use a combination of structured and unstructured reflection to grow as a leader. I have found that after a significant meeting or a challenging project, writing a debriefing note to myself is invaluable. I’ll jot down what went well, what could have been improved, and how my own actions influenced the outcome. This is a form of appreciative living, focusing on the strengths and successful moments to build upon them, while also honestly evaluating areas for growth. This process, coupled with regular one-on-one check-ins with my manager, allows me to gain valuable external perspectives on my leadership style and make intentional adjustments to better support my team and achieve our shared goals.
Personally, I use two main practices to become more self-aware and mindful of others. The first is a daily journaling practice where I write about my emotional state, my interactions with family and friends, and any internal conflicts I'm experiencing. This helps me to process my emotions rather than simply reacting to them. The second is active listening, which I view as a crucial component of mindfulness towards others. Instead of formulating my response while someone is speaking, I make a conscious effort to fully listen to what they are saying, both verbally and non-verbally. This not only deepens my relationships but also provides me with a more accurate understanding of the people around me, allowing me to lead with greater empathy and emotional intelligence.
Sample Answer
To truly lead others, we must first understand ourselves. The readings and presentations from this module have underscored the critical connection between self-awareness and effective leadership, suggesting that our ability to guide others is directly proportional to our ability to be mindful of our own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This practice of self-awareness is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of reflection and adaptation across all aspects of our lives—academic, personal, and professional.
In my academic life, a key approach to fostering self-awareness is through metacognition, or "thinking about my thinking." Before tackling a complex research paper or group project, I take a moment to reflect on my initial biases and assumptions. I ask myself: What are my preconceived notions about this topic? What perspectives am I most comfortable with, and which ones might I be overlooking? This mindfulness helps me to challenge my own intellectual blind spots and ensures that my academic work is more robust and objective. Additionally, seeking out feedback from peers and professors on my